10
Chapter 4
Operation
4.1
General
The stages are connected to the controller via 2 flying leads terminated in D-type
connectors (FEEDBACK) a nd 2 leads terminated in round 8-Pin DIN Connectors
(MOTOR DRIVE).
For a complete tutorial on using the stage, see the manual supplied with the controller.
Basic steps in controlling the stage are as follows:
1) Make electrical connections as detailed in Section 3.3.
2) Move the moving platfor m a few times over its full range of travel to overcome any
storage resistance, then position the moving platform to be around its central position.
3) Power up the controller and wait for 10 secs until the Channel Enable LEDs start
flashing.
4) If a joystick control is being used, press and hold the ‘High/Low’ button for 2
seconds, then release to home the stage. When homing is complete, the green
LED stops flashing.
5) If no joystick is being used, run the APTUser utility and click the ‘Home’ button on
each GUI pa nel. When homing is complete, the Channel Enable LEDs stop
flashing.
Caution
The MLS203 stages is designed to be driven by the Thorlabs BBD20x or
RBD201 Brushless DC Motor Controllers.
Warning
The motor controller must be switched OFF before the stages are
plugged in or unplugged. Failure to switch the controller off may result in
damage to either the controller, the stage, or both.
Warning
3-phase brushless DC motors are commutated electronically, i.e. the
controller drives the coils with a precisely controlled waveform, that
depends on the position of the rotor (or, with linear motors, the position
of the coil housing). On power up, the position of the coil housing is not
known. The controller establishes this by energising the coils and
measuring the resulting movement. This is why on power up, the stage
(motor) may make a slight buzzing noise and move about randomly for a
few seconds. Phase initialization can only take place if the motor can
move unobstructed during this time. Before powering up the BBD
controller at item (2), ensure that the stage movement is unobstructed.
